"He's not a repetitive-mistake guy, which is the biggest key for those young guys to come in and play," Sirmon said.

Smith and other players who enrolled in January — quarterback Ricky Town, receiver Isaac Whitney and offensive linemen Chuma Edoga and Roy Hemsley — will not be made available to the media until training camp, Sarkisian said.

So far, Smith has let his play speak for itself.

Off track

A few days after winning the long jump and running relays at last month's USC Invitational track and field meet, Adoree' Jackson said that he hoped to compete in this weekend's Florida Relays.

Sarkisian said this week that Jackson, who plays cornerback, receiver and kick returner, would not return to track until after spring practice ends.

Jackson said Thursday that "we had a little discussion about everything," and that he was not confused or disappointed.

"I know where Coach Sark is coming from — he wants to get everything going for the season, get us ready for the start and get us in a position so that we can be a good team coming in," he said. "I understand that and respect the decision totally."